Explore Chaplaincy

Chaplain Ministry

When you notice someone who is obviously suffering, do you want to help? Is your first instinct to listen with compassion? Chaplaincy has a place of service for you. Chaplain are not only in hospitals and in military uniforms. They are in boardrooms and classrooms. They work with street people and CEOs. Chaplains have virtually unlimited opportunity to serve in law enforcement, institutions, corporations and places that are sometimes closed to “professional clergy.” Chaplains serve as an extension of the local church in places that other members and church staff sometimes cannot go.

Does this sound like your call? Discover all the avenues available to you as an endorsed chaplain.

Is chaplaincy your next step?

Explore the opporutnities to extend the reach of your church by becoming a chaplain in one of the many settings where chaplains bring gospel ministry with compassion.

Chaplain Commission

The Chaplain Commission was established by the SBC to endorse chaplains and counselors in ministry. The commission is administered by NAMB and supported by the Chaplaincy Team. Commission members are selected from the elected NAMB Board of Trustees and appointed by the chairperson of the NAMB Board of Trustees. The commission membership numbers no fewer than five and no more than 11 voting board members.

Chaplain Commission 2017 meeting dates are noted below. An application for first-time endorsement must be complete, with all supporting documentation, by the "Materials Deadline Date," which is four weeks before a commission meeting date. The chaplaincy associate will work with the applicant to ensure meeting this deadline.

October 3, 2017December 5, 2017 February 6, 2018 April 24, 2018 June 11, 2018 August 7, 2018 October 2, 2018 December 4, 2018

Chaplaincy Endorsement

Here are answers to frequently asked questions about chaplaincy endorsement and information about its many benefits.

What is chaplaincy endorsement?

Endorsement is a professional credential that affirms to an agency or employer that a chaplain or pastoral counselor has met the requirements of the denomination to provide ministry in a specialized setting. It also affirms that the individual is a member in good standing of the Southern Baptist Convention. Endorsement creates a covenant of mutual commitment, accountability, and support between the chaplain or counselor in ministry and the denomination. It states a level of denominational connection and a standard of excellence to the agency or employer. Within the SBC, the Chaplains Commission grants endorsement.

Why be endorsed?

Endorsement is required by almost all agencies and employers that use chaplains and counselors. Documentation (government/agency form or NAMB letter) indicating endorsement is usually required as part of the hiring application process. Some organizations require that the endorsement is updated at periodic intervals. Endorsement is a significant step toward achieving the highest levels of professional certification.

What is the endorsement process?

The chaplain or counselor in ministry applicant initiates the endorsement process. For an application packet and/or brochure about chaplaincy, please contact the Chaplaincy Team. The applicant must complete and return the application form, statement of beliefs, biographical summary, and other information. A first-time endorsement application requires approximately six to eight weeks for processing and approval by the Chaplains Commission. Since endorsement is a statement to a specific using agency, the process must be updated should a chaplain or counselor in ministry change agencies and/or place of service.

How do I apply?

The application process begins by registering with Send Me. Click on the Chaplaincy Opportunities button on the Send Me page. Select the Type of Chaplaincy and click on the Learn More button. At the bottom of that page, click on the Get Started button and follow the instruction to register.

Once you are registered, you will be contacted. There are a variety of qualifications and expectations for chaplaincy ministry. These qualifications and expectations come from the using agency and the Chaplains Commission. A consultant from the Chaplaincy Team will contact you to review the qualifications. If you are pre-qualified, you will be sent instructions for submitting an application for endorsement.

When the file is complete, one of the team consultants will read your materials and provide feedback to you. Eventually your file will be presented to the Chaplain Commission, a group of trustees assigned to the North American Mission Board.

In order to complete your application file, additional documents will be requested according to the type of chaplaincy. All applicants must submit a current photo and ensure that the Chaplaincy Team receives the completed references. Other documents, if applicable, are a copy of Ordination Certificate and Official Transcript for the qualifying degree, and the local SBC church’s Affirmation Letter (sample will be provided).

If you are applying for a chaplaincy endorsement other than military, VA or Federal Bureau of Prisons, provide the name of the using agency (the corporation, hospital, Police Dept., etc.), the name of the individual receiving your endorsement, and the using agency’s address.

Endorsement Checklists:

Federal Chaplaincy Endorsement Checklist - under revision

Vocational and Volunteer Chaplaincy Endorsement Checklist

Benefits

The Chaplaincy Team provides the denominational endorsement process for qualified individuals seeking employment as chaplains and counselors, as well as for those serving in volunteer chaplaincy ministries. Endorsed chaplains receive many important benefits from their official relationship with NAMB, such as:

Professional Development

annual regional and national conferences

specialized workshops

chaplaincy luncheon at the SBC annual meeting

training certificate of contact hours

Financial

assistance to meet any crisis needs related to chaplaincy

Personal

on-site visits, correspondence, and telephone communication with Chaplaincy Team staff

pastoral care support by Chaplaincy Team staff

counsel and support in disciplinary proceedings

employment counseling and referral

fellowship opportunities with other chaplains and counselors in ministry

Denominational Relationships

official relationship with the SBC Chaplains Commission

connection with the denomination through the North American Mission Board’s Chaplaincy Team

Military chaplain cards provide you and your church the opportunity to pray specifically, by name and request, for some of the more than 1,350 Southern Baptist chaplains serving in the armed service. Pray for these men as they serve in military...